Creemore Foodland owners bid farewell
From the start, Ashley and Sim Spry knew Creemore was a special place, but as they prepare to check out as owners of the local Foodland, Sim says, “It is the most special place on earth. The people here have hearts of gold and they have been so welcoming.”
The Sprys took over the Creemore Foodland store in May 2019. It was their first posting as store owners, and Sim says initially, they just wanted to impress people here. Five years later, “We leave feeling very much like we are part of the family. We will definitely tell the next owners that this is a unique and special place.”
The Sprys have become well known for their support of many community initiatives. The thing that stands out most for Sim is the involvement with the St. Luke’s Food Bank. “When we came here, the closest food bank was in Stayner. During COVID, we were amazed at the number of people who reached out to offer their assistance picking and packing orders, delivering groceries and with cash donations. We felt, and still do, a responsibility to feed our community and make sure no one was doing without.” Sim worked closely with St. Luke’s pastor Lorna May to help get the local food bank off the ground.
Having arrived in Creemore just in time for the pandemic, Sim and Ashley were unable to find a property in town so they bought in Wasaga Beach, but he says Creemore definitely felt like home. “Creemore exceeded all our expectations. It was the perfect place to learn the business and we would do it all again. My only regret is that we can’t stay longer.”
The Sprys’ last day at Foodland Creemore will be Sept. 7. After that, they will be taking over the store in Wasaga Beach.
“We weren’t looking to move but the opportunity fell into our laps. It’s a chance to run a much bigger volume store with new challenges.”
In keeping with the Sobey’s franchise agreement, the Creemore store is being sold back to the parent company, and a new management group will be named soon.
Spry is very appreciative of the way the community supports the store, even when there are other options relatively close by.
“When we initially got here, people said, ‘This is our store. Don’t mess it up!’”
He says the key to running a successful business is to listen to customers, and give them what they are asking for. That’s why the Creemore store carries an extensive selection of gluten free and organic options.
“A big thank you to Creemore for the love, care and support you have shown our family, and a huge, heartfelt thank you to our staff who constantly work hard to feed our community.”
Sim says he will miss all the morning “hellos” in the store, and the constant greetings as he walks down the street, but he promises to be back for the many festivals that make this small town so special.
